Flat Feet & Leg Pain

Pes planus, often called flat feet, is very common. Some research estimates that one quarter of the population has flat feet. In fact, we’re all born with flat feet and only as we age, somewhere between age 3 and 10, do our feet usually develop an arch. People with hallux valgus usually report that their big toe hurts when they put weight on it – when walking, for example. But if they have a bunion, it can hurt even when don’t place any pressure on their foot, and they usually describe this pain as a “numbing” or “burning” sensation.

Inflammation in the posterior tibial tendon causes pain that goes from your foot up your lower leg along the tendon. You might feel pain behind the ankle bone or higher up on your leg. In some cases, your leg might swell along the tendon. The pain in the tendon might change your gait -the way you walk. Your foot may roll inward, or pronate, when you walk. This puts more strain on other parts of your leg, including your hip and knee, which can lead to pain in those areas. Treatment

High arches tend to be the more prevalent of midfoot dysfunctions. They occur due to significant shortening of the soft tissues of the medial longitudinal arch. Often, this is a trained response to the types of shoes we wear. For years, shoe manufacturers have increased the amount of arch support, especially in running shoes. However, more is not always better. The increase in support leads to weakening of the muscles as they no longer have to work to support the arch. The other soft tissues, such as ligaments and fascia, will shorten because of the prolonged posturing due to the arch support.

Proper fitting shoes and orthotics are very important for the health of the foot. Sometimes pain in the knees, hip joints and ankles is caused by ill fitting shoes. But most of the times, this pain is due to medical conditions. Which are some of the health conditions which can benefit from orthotics? These are spiky growths which develop on the heel. They are usually felt as sharp pains in the heel area and sometimes there can be inflammation. This pain can be contained by putting on devices which have a heel which is cushioned.

Similar to studies finding an association between knee joint pain and hip strength, studies have also found foot biomechanics can also have an impact on knee pain. Studies indicate that those experiencing patella femoral pain have a greater tendency to also have pes planus , or a flat foot. Although those with anterior knee pain are more likely to have flat feet, research has not found that the presence of flat feet is a predictor as to who may or may not have knee pain. Pes Planus is a general term used to describe the flat-footed condition. It is also referred to as pesplanovalgus, fallen arches, and over pronation.

Stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon and calf muscles are a conservative treatment technique that may help improve flexibility in the back of your lower leg. Because dropping the back of your heel will increase the stretch on these structures, the effectiveness of your stretching program may be negated if you wear shoes that possess heel elevation, or a heel that is higher than your forefoot. Nail Fungus – Nail fungus can be cosmetically troubling due to the ugly discoloration of the toe nails. If you think that you have nail fungus it is important to go to a podiatrist who can provide you easy ways to eliminate it.

New shoes will not help if you are diagnosed with a tarsal coalition, meaning that two bones in the back of your foot are abnormally connected. A tarsal coalition may require a cast or surgery. Supportive shoes and at-home treatment can help flat feet caused by posterior tibial tendon problems. Located in your lower leg, the posterior tibial tendon’s job is to hold up your arch and provide support as you step off and on your toes when walking. You Might Also Like Children May 29, 2011 By James Roland Photo Caption A close-up of the bottom of a running shoe on a trail. Photo Credit Błażej Łyjak/iStock/Getty Images

Currently, only 50% of patients are employed after 10 years, and 40% have ceased work after 2 years from diagnosis. Approximately 75% develop at least moderate impairment of function. Factors associated with a poor prognosis include extra-articular manifestations, insidious onset, high rheumatoid factor titres, functional disability at 1 year, HLA-DR4 genotype and early erosive disease on X-ray. These exercises are meant to strengthen the muscles in the arch and help maintain healthy feet. If you are feeling soreness in the arch or in the heel, you may have a problem with plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Either of those conditions may require further evaluation.

Flat feet are common in young children (infants and toddlers), and with normal development do not require treatment because the condition will typically right itself as the child develops. However, in some cases this condition does not improve on its own. As an adult if flat feet do not improve, symptoms may start to develop. Flat feet can also occur as a result of damage to the tendons over time, causing the condition to occur in older individuals. Causes Neuromuscular Reeducation (NMR) to restore stability, retrain the lower extremity, and improve movement technique and mechanics (for example, running, jumping, kicking, or stepping) in daily use of the involved lower extremity.

Flat foot is actually a genetic presentation which is related to the foot structure as well as neuro-muscular development. These types of problems are often noticed in newborns that face a very pronated as well as flat foot configuration. These children, when they grow up, develop a hyper-pronated, flat arched foot condition that often become really acute. Gene. One of the most common reasons for pes planus or PP is gene factor. It is more likely for people who have parents with the same condition to have it. It is however unlikely, but not impossible, that it will manifest in all the children of those who have it.